Host City Blues...

On an ill-afforded trip to London, this past weekend I found little evidence to support the British press claims that they are one of the few how cities to make sports buildings profitable.  An almost empty Queen Elizabeth's Olympic Park, did not convince me that British press was doing any better than numerous other host cities.  The worker's outnumbered the visitors 2 to 1, and the worker's seemed nonplussed to see a lone camerawoman documenting their labor.  It reminded me of the wizard of OZ making sure no one saw behind his facade.

Meanwhile Brazilians living in London, were in full support of the strikes, and even the riots which they believe are effectively timed because of the attention the country is claiming via the World Cup 2014 and the Olympics 2016.  It was in Rio, the "Marvelous City" back in June 2013 that the first of the PAC 2 promises was made to use recent investment to bring water and waste improvements;  transportation; and other upgrades to infrastructure.   Now its the end of October and those promises are extending to other regions in the country.  The question is will these promises mean actual long-term improvements for teachers and health industry professionals, in time for Brazilians to re-focus, on creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs, and/or training the service, and tourism industry in the most common language English.  

The demonstrations have been escalating from the relative calm of effigies, and banners

...to actual bullets in Police guns and an increase in broken property. 

Aside from the riots, Brazilians in London for the most part are very realistic in realizing that the back to back World Cup 2014 and then Olympics 2016, is almost to big a bite to chew.  I repeatedly heard a sentiment that I fully agree with "its people that will make these two events possible.  Various Brazilians that I spoke with brought up their forgiving nature, and the ability to give everyone their undivided attention at that moment, that will be the saving grace of this "Double Host" country.